Eradicate naxalism by helping the poor and weak: Moily

March 4, 2012

Mangalore, March 4: The only way to put an end to naxalism is to address the problems of the poor and the weaker sections of the society. Self-help groups have a role to play in reaching out to them and helping them in fulfilling their basic needs and empowering them, said Dr. M Veerappa Moily, Union Minister for Corporate Affairs.

He was speaking at the mammoth convention of self-help groups organized by Canara Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP), Mangalore, on Sunday in the city.

Putting forth his observations on the growth of naxalism in quite a few parts of the country, Mr. Moily said “Backward classes in areas such as Jharkhand, Orissa etc have woken up and the naxals are taking advantage of it. Bodies such as CARITAS India and CODP must work in these places. The union government has released funds for such people and designed programmes for their basic healthcare, education etc and these groups can help the government in reaching out to them. There was no trace of naxalism after Indira Gandhi brought about land reforms which empowered the weak. But now, naxalism has returned due to a rise in social imbalance. The only way to eradicate naxalism is to provide basic facilities to the poor and empowering them”, he said.

Enlightening the gathering on the significance of the role played by women in shaping up a society, Mr. Moily said: “Womenfolk have it in them to light up not just their houses but also the entire society. My mother helped me study and inspired me although she was an illiterate. Never ignore your children and think that you cannot do anything. We introduced CET due to which thousands of poor students have now become engineers and doctors. Why can't there be a doctor or engineer in your house? About 40% of children discontinue their studies after class 4. This is because of the mental pressure they face owing to their family and societal problems. Gone are the days when people would tell their children that it is their destiny to remain poor and accept that they are of low socio-economic status. Act as a guiding force to them and help them concentrate on achieving success. You will find Einsteins and CV Ramans in them”, Mr. Moily advised.

In his address Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, echoed Dr. Moily's view that no one should possess a feeling of inferiority and aim high. “If we keep thinking that there is no way forward, we will never develop”, the Bishop said. He also said that self-help groups must follow the footsteps of Mother Teresa and keep working for the poor, women, farmers, the weakest of the weak and those who are exploited by prostitution.

Representatives of associations and self-help groups who have made contributions through their work in various social developmental works such as RTI awareness, receipt of identity cards, arrangement of drinking water facilities and street lights etc, were felicitated on the occasion.

Rev. Fr. Fredrick D'Souza, Director, CARITAS India,New Delhi, Mr. Jimmy Mathew, Caritas India, Bangalore, were also present.

Prior to the formal inauguration, a procession was held by members of various self-help groups from Balmatta to Milagres school grounds.

Protest by Bajrang Dal

Meanwhile, outside the Milagres building, members of a saffron organisation held a protest against Dr. M Veerappa Moily for his remarks made recently, calling the saffron outfits as "evil forces".

Police forces which were in place, controlled the situation and dispersed the protestors.

It can be recalled here that many Bajrang Dal activists including Sharan Pumpwell had been briefly detained on Saturday after they attempted to gherao Dr Moily near Mangalore Airport in a bit to stop him from entering the city.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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